Heart of a Marine (The Wounded Warrior Series Book 1)

by Patty Campbell

  “Marla!”

  She stopped and turned, hand on the doorknob.

  Silvia smiled. “I dropped Skipper off at your house on my way here to water Char’s plants. He’ll be happy to see you even if Dwayne isn’t.”

  Marla chuckled. “I’ll always have Skip’s loyalty. Bye, Mom.”

  * * *

  Cluny met Dwayne’s eyes when he thundered into the construction trailer, took in his black expression, and said, “Oh, shit.”

  Dwayne glared. “Don’t say another goddamned word or you’ll be picking yourself up off the floor.” He pulled off his leather jacket and flung it in the direction of the coat hook, kicked a wastebasket out of his way, and poured a cup of coffee that looked and smelled like yesterday’s sludge into his unwashed mug. Just what he needed.

  The door snapped shut when Cluny departed. There was a man who knew when to keep his mouth shut. He’d be around when Dwayne needed him and wouldn’t expect an apology.

  He removed files from desk drawers and the filing cabinet. It was time to wrap up this damn job and get out of here. He’d tally the final expenses, give Danaher a bill, collect his money, pay his crew, and disappear from her life.

  First though, he had to line up materials for the storage facility job scheduled to start next week. He spent an hour on the phone lining everything up for the first phase of the project.

  The door opened. Slim stepped inside. “We’re done, Gunny. Do you want to walk through the building one last time before the Boss Lady does her final inspection?”

  Dwayne stood and stretched. “Yeah, tell the painting contractor to hang around until I have a look.”

  Slim tipped his head. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t leave before you’re ready.” He backed out and closed the door.

  “Wait, Slim. Tell Jack I want him to start packing and securing the trailer this afternoon so we can haul it to the new site.”

  “He’s just heading out to his kid’s Little League game. I’ll catch him.”

  “No. Forget it.” He waved Slim off. “He can get to it tomorrow.”

  He carried his mug to the sink. The door opened again. “Now what, for chrissakes!”

  “Hey, Dempsey.”

  His head whipped around. Marla stood in the doorway, her backlit hair floating red-golden around her shoulders. “What do you want, Danaher?” He turned his back on her.

  “You.”

  Unable to breathe under the enormity of the weight on his heart, he stood still and stiff.

  “I want you.” Her footsteps approached, and then her hand rested on his back.

  A moment of hurt and anger almost prevented him from doing what he most wanted to do. He turned around and drew her into his arms. With her chest crushed against his, their heartbeats spoke through the silence.

  “God, I want you too.”

  “I love you, Dwayne.”

  He crushed his mouth on hers. This time he wouldn’t let her walk because he needed this woman in his life. He held her beautiful face in her hands, sighed deeply, and then smiled.

  “Come with me. Let’s take a final walk through the building, let the painting contractor take off then we’ll go home.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  “We need to go shopping. You’re out of milk and there’s not a single fresh fruit or vegetable in this place. By the end of summer you’ll have a good case of the rickets. I swear I don’t know how men survive.” Marla loaded dishes in the dishwasher and glanced over her shoulder to see if Dwayne had been listening.

  He looked up from the paper. “Yes, honey, I heard you. You’ll have to go without me. We’re hauling the trailer off your lot today so the paving and landscaping contractors can get in there.”

  He put down the paper and went across the kitchen. Standing behind her with his body pressed against her, he reached around and fondled her breasts. “You are one bossy woman, Danaher.”

  “You’re one horny man, Dempsey.” She pushed back with her butt. “Go then. I’ll stop at the store on my way home from the office.”

  He took a small step back, but not before running a hand down her torso and resting it on her magic triangle. He gave her a squeeze. “Let’s go back to bed.”

  Chuckling, she grabbed his wrist and pushed his hand away. “We’re both late. Beat it.”

  “Hey, I’m the man of the house. I’ll make the decisions.”

  She turned and crossed her arms. “And when, exactly, do you plan to begin?”

  He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her soundly. “One of these days.” Another kiss. “Maybe.”

  Marla draped her arms around his neck and smiled. “Really? We’ll see about that. Now, I really do have to get to work. I’ll see you later.”

  “Your place or mine?”

  “Mine.” She pointed to Skipper sitting on his haunches, studying their every move. “He’s homesick.”

  Dwayne scooped Skip up and pushed his nose against the mutt’s. “You homesick, soldier? I didn’t think so.” He set him on the floor and pecked her on the cheek. “He’s not homesick, he likes it here.”

  “Yes, and so do I, but we need to go home once in a while. What do you want for dinner?”

  “I’ll get takeout. There’s a great Chinese place half a block from the new jobsite.” He took his heavy work shirt from the back of his chair and his keys off the hook by the door. “I’ll try and get there before eight.”

  Marla waved at his retreating back then finished cleaning the sink and loading the dishwasher. Her heart tripped a happy beat, and just because she had to, she lifted Skipper to her face and kissed him right on the mouth. “You’re my real boyfriend, Skipper. Our secret.”

  She dropped Skipper off at home, retrieved her briefcase, and checked to make sure she had her listings file. On the run till mid-afternoon, she cleared off her desk and peeked into her boss’s office. “Ted, I took a deposit on the Seymour property. Won’t it be great to finally get that turkey sold?”

  He laughed and nodded. “Let’s keep our fingers crossed. We’ve been down this road before. You taking off?”

  “Yes, I’ve got company for dinner and I still have to get to the grocery store. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She had one foot out the door when the receptionist called her name. “Marla, your sister’s on the phone.”

  “Oh boy, what now?” She returned to her desk and lifted the handset. “Hey, sis, what’s up? I’m on my way out the door.”

  “I know. That’s what she said. I’m glad I caught you. Want to have dinner tonight? I thought we’d go out. I’m too pooped to cook.”

  “You cook? I didn’t know that.”

  “Ha ha, smarty pants. Where should we go?”

  “Dwayne’s coming over tonight. He’s bringing Chinese takeout.”

  “Can I come?”

  Marla picked up a note of distress in Char’s voice.

  “Sure. If I know him, he’ll bring more than enough for three. He probably won’t be there much before eight though. I’m on my way to the store, but I’ll be home in about an hour. Come over whenever you want.”

  “Thanks, sis. I’ll bring a bottle of Shiraz and we can get plastered while we’re waiting for Mr. Wonderful. See you later.” She clicked off before Marla had a chance to answer.

  She wondered what Char’s problem was.

  Charlene’s car sat in front of her house when Marla returned home with a trunk full of groceries. The kitchen door opened when she raised the garage door and drove inside.

  “Do you need me?” Char called.

  “Yes, help me carry this in and separate Dempsey’s stuff from mine.”

  Charlene helped her haul in the bags then proceeded to rag her about doing Dwayne’s shopping. Marla ignored her jabs.

  Char pushed her toward the table. “I’ll pour the wine. Sit down and relax. Point to what goes where, and I’ll put it away. I got off early today, and all I can do is feel sorry for myself because I won’t see Donovan for a whole month.”
<
br />   “Ah, so that’s what’s bothering you. I thought you sounded frazzled about something.”

  “I can’t stand it. I’m madly in love with that man. At least tonight I get to drool over his brother for a couple of hours.”

  “Here, give me the bottle and the corkscrew. I’ll open the wine while you get a couple of glasses. Grab a small bowl for Skippy’s dinner.”

  “I let him out in the backyard when I got here. He squirted pee in about ten places.”

  “The raccoons have been around again. He’s letting them know it’s his territory. Not that they give a hoot.” She twisted the corkscrew into the odd-shaped blue bottle.

  Charlene set the glasses and bowl on the table then sorted out the cold groceries and squeezed them in the fridge. “The rest can wait till I have a glass of wine. This is good stuff. Trader Joe’s started carrying it recently. Have you tried it?”

  “Nope. I’m a virgin.” She poured two glasses. “This’ll be my very first time. I hope it’s good.”

  “Like I said a while back: What did you do with my sister?”

  Marla kicked off her shoes and put her feet on one of the empty chairs. “I sold a piece of property today that we’ve been trying to get rid of for two years. Keep your fingers crossed until escrow closes.”

  Char held her glass up and admired the color. “The Seymour parcel?”

  “The very same.”

  “Tell me again why it’s so difficult to unload?” Char put her nose in the glass and sniffed. “Oh, do I need this.”

  “It’s that darn easement the State obtained over forty years ago for a future freeway extension they’ll never build. All the development went in the other direction. The buyer and his wife plan to breed exotic rabbits, and the zoning and location are perfect for them.”

  “Exotic rabbits? I never heard of such a thing. What do they do, teach them to belly dance?”

  Marla laughed. “I don’t know Char, but if they close the deal I’ll suggest it.”

  They polished off the first of the wine then set about unpacking the bags and separating out what Dwayne would take home.

  The front door opened, and Skip yapped with excitement.

  “Honey, I’m home.” Dwayne carried two large white bags with Chinese writing on the sides. One was stained with grease spots, and Marla nearly swooned at the delicious aroma.

  His eyebrows went up at the sight of her sister. “Hey, Charlene.” He leaned in for Marla’s kiss. “I don’t know if I can stand all this pulchritude. We having a threesome?”

  “For dinner, yes.” Marla tapped him on the chest. “Behave yourself. Charlene’s missing Donovan and she’s in a fragile state.”

  Charlene puckered her lips in a pout. “Yes, poor me. I’ll have another glass of wine.”

  Dwayne kissed Char on the forehead. “Let me know if I can be of help.” He grinned at Marla. “Mind if I take a quick shower, honey?”

  “No, go ahead. We’ll set out dinner. There’s a clean T-shirt of yours on top of the dryer.”

  “I brought a change of clothes.” He held aloft a brown grocery sack. “I’ll make it quick.” He rushed down the hall and the bedroom door closed.

  Char twisted her mouth and nodded. “Um hum, and now you’re doing his laundry.”

  Heat burned Marla’s cheeks. “No, I am not! It’s a shirt I borrowed to wear over my swimsuit in Coronado. I forgot to pack my cover-up.” She put hands on her hips and gave Charlene a stern look. “What?”

  “Nothing.” A knowing smile danced across her lips. “I’ll set the table.”

  * * *

  Well, hell. His plans to spend the night alone with Marla got shot square in the ass when he saw Charlene. Maybe she’d take off early. Nah, he suspected she planned to stay all evening.

  He scowled at the bottles of Marla’s shampoo and conditioner lining the shower shelf. He lifted one after the other, pushing them aside until he found one that looked promising. He screwed the cap off and sniffed. Coconut. Not exactly manly, but not too girly either. He squirted some on his head and scrubbed.

  Five minutes after he stepped inside the shower, he was toweling off. Ten minutes after he’d kissed Marla hello he was walking back to the kitchen. He did a male-model turn. “I know I’m irresistible, but see if you ladies can keep your hands off me until I’ve had something to eat.”

  Marla shook her head. “See what I have to put up with? Sit down, Dempsey, before we put our hands on you in ways you won’t welcome. The last thing you want is for my sister and me to gang up on you.”

  Dwayne sat and raised his hands. “I’ll be good.”

  Charlene winked. “I don’t doubt it.”

  “Oh, please you two. Can we just eat?”

  Charlene’s mood lifted considerably during dinner and lively banter. She glanced at her watch. “It’s after ten. Mind if I skedaddle without helping with the dishes? I have to be at work by seven.”

  “No, go ahead.” Marla carried dishes to the sink. “The mess looks worse than it is.”

  Skipper ran to the front door and yapped with alarm.

  “What’s with your mutt?” He stood and walked into the hallway. “What’s the matter, boy?”

  Marla followed him. “He probably thought he heard something.”

  Dwayne picked up an envelope. “What’s this?”

  “Did somebody put that under my door?”

  He opened the door and stepped out on the small porch. “I don’t see anybody.” Back inside he turned the large brown envelope over. “I’ll be damned. It’s addressed to me.” He held it so she could see the name.

  Charlene joined them. “What’s going on?”

  “Somebody left this for Dwayne.” She pointed to the envelope. “It wasn’t here when you came in, was it?”

  “No.”

  He ran a finger under the flap. “Not when I got here either.” He pulled a small sheaf of papers and a photo from the packet. “What the…?”

  Marla switched on the ceiling light. “What is it?”

  He held a picture of Amber in her school uniform then continued to the living room, switched on the lamp next to the sofa, and sat. “What the hell is she up to?”

  Marla and Charlene watched him silently while he shuffled through the papers.

  “Who?”

  “Francine. That witch! I’ve got to call my lawyer.” The Chinese food sat like lead in his stomach. He raked a hand through his hair.

  “At this hour?” Marla tipped her head at the crystal Waterford clock on her mantel. “It’s too late, isn’t it?”

  “Lordy, Dwayne. What does she say?”

  He set a typed paper on his knee and smoothed out the crease. He looked it over once more, and then read it to them.

  So now I know what my kid looks like you sneak. And it proves you aren’t her biological father for sure. Bring her to my lawyer’s office in the next two days or I’m having you arrested for kidnapping. I demand a DNA test, you bastard. I mean it. Francine Henry

  He gazed at the shocked expressions on Marla and Charlene’s faces. Most likely they reflected his own. He paged through the other papers then dropped the packet on the table next to the sofa.

  Marla came to sit beside him. “That woman is crazy. You know you’re Amber’s dad. What is she after? I don’t believe she really wants custody, do you?”

  He dropped his head back and reached for her hand. “I wish the hell I knew.”

  Charlene reached for the photo of Amber. “Where do you suppose she got this?” She turned the photo over. “It’s an official school picture, see the stamp?” She held it out for Marla.

  She took it. “That’s the same photographer who’s been taking school photos in Spring Grove since we were kids. It probably wouldn’t be too hard to get one from his studio. All she’d have to do is say she’s Amber’s mother and needed another copy.” She squeezed Dwayne’s hand.

  “Shit, shit, shit! Why did she have to surface after all these years?”

  Charle
ne stood and gathered her jacket and purse. “I better go, it’s really late. Marla, please call me tomorrow after Dwayne talks to his lawyer.”

  He pulled himself up. “You’re not going anywhere until I check the street. If she and the jailbird are hanging around, you stay here tonight. They don’t need to know where you live.” He turned to Marla. “Got a flashlight?”

  “Yes, several. I’ll get one for you.” She went to the kitchen, opened the utility closet, and removed a large flashlight from a holder on the wall next to her vacuum cleaner.

  “Sheesh, this thing’s a weapon.”

  “I hope you don’t have to use it. Be careful. Should I call the sheriff?”

  “No, She’s long gone by now. But I need to make sure. Sit tight. Both of you.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  “I suspect Mrs. Henry is attempting to intimidate you. Her lawyer is a shyster, and he’s probably giving her ideas on how to get access to your daughter by going around the law. As I said before, she has no standing. If this ever got as far as a judge, she’d be thrown out of court.”

  Dwayne fidgeted with his keys. “How do I get rid of her?”

  “As long as she doesn’t break the law, I’m afraid all you can do is wait for her to tire of the game.”

  Dwayne shifted in the hard chair. “Amber’s safely out of the state with my mother in Wyoming. Francine’s from there. That’s where we met and married. If she’s sneaking around here trying to find my daughter, she may figure out that Mom’s ranch is the most likely place I’d send her.”

  Anger burned in his chest at the audacity of Francine showing up after all these years, demanding access to the child she never wanted and couldn’t desert fast enough. What in hell did she want from him? He didn’t believe for a New York minute that she cared a damn about Amber.

  The lawyer’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I’ll send a strong letter to her attorney today, telling him to advise her to desist, or you’ll file charges against her for stalking and harassment. If there are any other incidents, tell me immediately.”